(Photo courtesy of Post Office)
MANILA – To mark the celebration of National Heritage Month, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has issued commemorative stamps honoring cartoonist and National Artist for Visual Arts Larry Alcala featuring his well-known “Slice of Life” cartoon series.
“His comic strips gave us a glimpse of Filipino lives in the wittiest and meaningful way. His comics became known for giving its readers the task of finding Mr. Alcala’s face hidden in his illustrations,” Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio said in a news release on Thursday.
“Viewers are drawn to the scenes not only because they are relatable snippets of Filipino everyday life, but also due to the playful inclusion of the artist of his well-hidden caricature as a fun hunt for Filipinos of all ages to enjoy,” the agency said in a news release. enjoy. “Alcala was able to encapsulate the humor, ingenuity, and adaptability of Filipinos experiencing their day-to-day lives.”
In 1988, the "Slice of Life" cartoon series received the Best in Humor Award and was cited for helping to keep alive the Filipino's ability to laugh at themselves in the midst of adversities, through a combination of art and humor.
“Handy Crafts” from the Oct. 1, 1989 issue is featured as a sheet of eight stamps while “Cooking for a Fiesta” from the Sept. 17, 1989 issue was made into a souvenir sheet of four stamps.
Filipino creativity is shown through images of Batangas shell craft makers, Cebu guitar makers, Bohol basket weavers, Bicol blacksmiths, Bulacan mat weavers, Taal embroiderers, and Ilocos potters in the set of eight stamps.
Alacala's commentaries that are both critical and compassionate, evoked laughter and reflection in the everyday life of Filipinos, according to Fulgencio.
“Tinulungan po tayo ni Mr. Alcala na mas mapansin at maintindihan ang mahahalagang aspeto ng buhay Pilipino (Mr. Alcala helped us to take note and understand the important aspects of Filipino life),” Fulgencio said during the launching ceremony attended by representatives from the National Commission for Culture and Arts and Filipino Heritage Festival Inc.
“Slice of Life" can be considered his most popular cartoon series.
His 1947 "Kalabog En Bosyo" was the longest running serial ever by any Filipino cartoonist, adapted into the silver screen twice by the late Filipino comedians Dolphy and Panchito. Stamps were issued for the cartoon in December 2003.
He is also remembered for “Gorio and His Jeepney,” “Aksyong Aksaya,” Siopaw-man”, and modern classic “Kikomachine”.
“Mahalaga po ang mga selyong ito dahil (These seals are important because) stamps are our window to the world, showcasing the rich history and culture of our country. Like our own National Artist Larry Alcala, the Post Office recognizes Filipino talents and achievers, and encourages more Filipinos to do their best, to give joy, inspiration and pride to the nation, and make a greater contribution to the improvement of Philippine economy and the nation,” Fulgencio said.
PHLPost in-house stamp designers Ryman Alburadora and Agnes Rarangol did the layout.
Stamps, souvenir sheets, and official first-day covers are available at the Philatelic Counter of the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio. For inquiries, call (02) 8527-0108 or (02) 8527-0132 and follow/like Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.
PHLPost is a government-owned and controlled corporation responsible for providing postal services in the Philippines. It also handles international postal delivery. (With a report from Lade Kabagani/PR)
